1. **Steady Retrieve**: Start with a steady, moderate-speed retrieve. This can mimic the movement of injured prey on the surface. Use lures like poppers or walking baits, and keep your rod tip up to create a splash and maintain a consistent speed.
2. **Popping Action**: For poppers, use a rhythmic popping action. Give a sharp jerk of the rod to create a splash, then pause for a second or two before continuing the retrieve. This mimics the action of a distressed fish and can provoke a strike from lurking pike.
3. **Walk the Dog**: If you’re using walking baits, employ the 'walk the dog' technique. This involves a series of quick twitches of the rod tip while reeling in, creating a side-to-side motion that can be very enticing to pike.
4. **Stop and Go**: Incorporate pauses into your retrieve. After a few steady cranks or pops, let the lure sit still for a moment. Pike often strike during these pauses, thinking the lure is an easy target.
5. **Vary Your Speed**: Experiment with different retrieval speeds. Sometimes a slow, deliberate retrieve can be more effective, while other times, a fast retrieve can trigger pike to chase.
6. **Target Structure**: Focus on areas with structure such as weed beds, fallen trees, or rocky outcrops. Cast your topwater lure near these spots and retrieve it over the cover to provoke pike hiding underneath.
7. **Time of Day**: Early morning and late evening are prime times for topwater fishing for pike. The low light conditions can encourage pike to move into shallow areas to feed.
Remember to use a strong rod and a quality leader, as pike have sharp teeth and can easily cut through lighter lines. Happy fishing!
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